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The Somerset Building Preservation Trust

The Somerset Building Preservation Trust works to preserve the architectural heritage of Somerset for YOU and the nation as a whole. Historic buildings that would otherwise be lost through dilapidation and neglect are restored. They are then converted into a variety of uses - a tithe barn into a community hall, 16th century almshouses into social housing, an 18th century Congregational Chapel into an area for the local community to enjoy exhibitions …… and much more. Our last complted project was the restoration of Castle House (Grade 1 listed), which comes within the curtilage of Taunton Castle. The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund giving us in total some £600,000 for both the development and delivery periods of this major £1m+ project. A very generous award of £390,000 was made by Viridor Credits Environmental Co which set the funding ball rolling; English Heritage gave £150,000 and the Garfield Weston Foundation (£50,000; Somerset County Council £50,000; an anonymous donation of £10,500: £10,000 from private donations. Click on Castle House in the content index to learn more!

The Award ceremony was held on Thursday 8th September at Hauser Wirth Somerset. This year's entries were of a particularly high standard. A full list of entries and the awards presented can be found on our Willam Stansell page.

CURRENT PROJECTS

The SBPT are currently working in partnership with the South West Heritage Trust and the Friends of the Rural Life Museum to bring about a full renovation of the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. The project has been awarded substantial funding from both the HLF and Viridor Credits. A contract for the works has now been awarded to Kenn Biggs of Bristol and the delivery phase will officially begin on 1 December 2014. Please visit the Rural Life Museum website to find out more: www.rurallifemuseum.org.uk.

We are also currently working with the Wells Recreation Trust to find ways of bringing about a repair and refurbishment of the Bishop's Barn in Wells. An Options Appraisal has been carried out and this is currently undergoing a period of public consultation. MORE NEWS SOON!

Dip into this site to discover all you want to know about the SBPT and how you, too, can become involved in its activities.

We are very grateful to Viridor Waste Management who generously sponsored the creation of our web site. It has meant that we are able to bring our news direct to you.